Many of us learn Python by memorising code-constructs and their use.
Even over-coming this learning-curve is but a small portion of becoming
a competent coder or programmer.
The challenges of learning how to construct an algorithm, and/or how to
analyse a real-world problem to produce a solution, are not to be found
in the Python Tutorial. However, such higher-order problems often
surface on the Python-Tutor and Python Discussion Lists.
For newcomers (and anyone in the field who would like to fill-in topics
'missing' in his/her basic understanding), Coursera offer a
"Computational Thinking for Problem Solving" course (free* or
$certified) from "Penn" (University of Pennsylvania, USA).
I have occupied various 'spare' moments during the last week or so, to
review the course, and am recommend it to you/yours.
Aside from coders, you might also mention it to any friends who want to
learn 'problem-solving' (an increasingly important skill in these
modern-times where the only constant is 'change') because this is not a
'computer course'. Starting at higher-level thinking, gradually more
detail is added, before arriving at the level of implementing
computer-based solutions in Python.
It offers a (rather brief) introduction to Python. Thus could be used as
a 'taster', before moving to Python-for-the-sake-of-Python course.
Throughout the course reference is made to case-studies drawn from the
university's wider operations. There is also an interesting topic in
linguistic analysis (ie the stuff of grammar-checkers, search engines,
etc) which trainees can gradually develop, stage-by-stage.
Here is their introduction:-
<<<
Computational thinking is the process of approaching a problem in a
systematic manner and creating and expressing a solution such that it
can be carried out by a computer. But you don't need to be a computer
scientist to think like a computer scientist! In fact, we encourage
students from any field of study to take this course. Many quantitative
and data-centric problems can be solved using computational thinking and
an understanding of computational thinking will give you a foundation
for solving problems that have real-world, social impact.
In this course, you will learn about the pillars of computational
thinking, how computer scientists develop and analyze algorithms, and
how solutions can be realized on a computer using the Python programming
language. By the end of the course, you will be able to develop an
algorithm and express it to the computer by writing a simple Python
program.
This course will introduce you to people from diverse professions who
use computational thinking to solve problems. You will engage with a
unique community of analytical thinkers and be encouraged to consider
how you can make a positive social impact through computational thinking.
>>>
100% online
Flexible deadlines
Beginner Level
Approx. 17 hours to complete
Four 'weeks' or sessions:
Pillars of Computational Thinking
Expressing and Analyzing Algorithms
Fundamental Operations of a Modern Computer
Applied Computational Thinking Using Python
https://www.coursera.org/learn/computational-thinking-problem-solving#syllabus
They did conclude by uttering heresy: that graduates might like to move
to "more advanced languages like Java ... JavaScript", but let's not
hold that lapse of judgement against them (they are after-all, a school
of Engineering)!
* the $free option allows access to quizzes, tests, and assignments but
not to any grading process. That said, any 'problems', phrased with at a
Python background, could likely be discussed/corrected in posts to the
Python-Tutor List (don't forget to declare the course and notify which
session/component).
Disclaimer: I use the ('competing') edX training/education platform -
but for non-Python courses.
--
Regards,
=dn
--
https://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
